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Mission Statement

The mission of Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics (LWRG), is to provide the highest quality gymnastic training to all ages and levels of athletes in a safe, positive and stimulating environment, while developing strong, happy young people of good character and good sportsmanship.

 

Philosophy

While challenging each athlete to progress to his or her individual ability and commitment level, we will strive to help each child grow, not only in his/her physical abilities, but also as people of character, integrity, and sportsmanship, and to become contributing members of society. We will assist our parents in teaching their children to take responsibility for their actions, to think for themselves, to encourage them to act respectfully to their peers and coaches, and to instill a sense of pride in their athletic abilities and accomplishments. It is our goal to provide a program that the whole family can enjoy and spend quality time together in a wholesome environment. We hope to achieve all of this in a way which works in a cohesive manner for everyone involved – the athlete, the parents, and the staff of LWRG.

WHO WE ARE

Laura & David Parraga

Owners and Coaches

 

 

Owners David and Laura Parraga both have an extensive background in the gymnastics arena. David is a former Venezuelan National Team member and international caliber-athlete, while Laura is a former competitive gymnast, judge, and professional cheerleader. Up until May of 2012 Laura and David were the optional head coaches at LaFleur’s Gymnastics in Largo for 9 years while living in Manatee County.

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Caroline F.

HP Xcel Team Director/ Optional Team Coach

Caroline was born in Sarasota, but raised in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Elementary Education in 2013. Caroline began gymnastics while in elementary school and competed in both compulsory and optional levels. While in high school, Caroline joined an all-star cheerleading team for two years and was also a part of her high school’s varsity cheer team for her senior year. She began coaching gymnastics the summer after she finished high school and has enjoyed every minute of it! Caroline has worked at LWRG since April of 2013. She has coached numerous Level 2, 3 & 4 individual state champions and has coached our Level 2, 3 & 4 teams to many team state titles! Caroline has passed NCSI background checks as well as having been certified through Safe Sport for athlete conduct.  She is pediatric and adult CPR certified. She has always loved gymnastics and it is one of her true passions!

When she is not in the gym coaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Chad, and dog, Brady.  She loves working out, going to the beach, and watching lots of sports!

Caroline is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Dali B. Head Program Director

Optional Level 7-10 Beam Coach

Dali was born in Bosnia & Herzegovina and moved to St. Petersburg , FL at the age of 5. She began gymnastics at the age of 8 and found herself on the competitive team just two months into the sport. She spent the next 14 years as a competitive gymnast.  She trained with Laura and David Parraga throughout high school and achieved her goal of becoming a Level 10 gymnast under their coaching. The highlight of her club career was becoming the Eastern National Vault Champion.  Dali’s dedication and great effort lead her to competing in the NCAA for the University of Florida.  During her time as a Gator, Dali was a part of a National Championship winning team and 3 SEC Championship winning teams. Dali received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  After graduation, Dali spent a year working with the UF Strength & Conditioning program as an intern where she worked with multiple sports. She quickly took a liking to the coaching role, and turned to coaching the sport she is most passionate about, gymnastics.  Dali has been coaching gymnastics for 10 years, 9 of those years being at LWRG. She enjoys collaborating with gymnasts and helping them achieve their goals, while growing and leaning with them in doing so.

Outside of the gym, Dali loves spending time with her family. Her husband, Clay, was a football player at the University of Florida where they met. They are blessed with two amazing daughters.

Dali is USAG and Safesport Certified.

Vesi P.

Recreational Program Director

Vesi was born in Bulgaria. She had busy childhood doing many sports. Specializing in rhythmic gymnastics for 7 years.  She finished high school with a diploma as a textile designer. Then received  a bachelor’s degree in college in economic management.

She came to the United State 15 years ago, to start a family. She has a son and a daughter.  In her free time she likes to garden, go fishing, as well as working on art. Her favorite thing though is working with children. She feels very blessed to work with all of the kids at LWRG.

Vesi is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Erin S.

Xcel Director

Erin began gymnastics at the age of three and competed through high school as a level nine gymnast. She has been coaching for over 19 years, coaching gymnasts of all levels at gyms and camps in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida as well as being a previous gymnastics program director. She has passed NCSI background checks as well as having been certified through Safe Sport for athlete conduct. Erin has a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management from Bowling Green State University, a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Queensland and she works full time in marketing and advertising for a large nonprofit organization. When not coaching, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband, running, working out and doing anything outside.

Erin is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Manuel M.

HP and Optional Team Coach

Manuel is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Emma T.

Recreational Coach

Emma grew up in Illinois, and moved to Florida in 2016. She started gymnastics at the age of 3, continuing in the sport until she reached level 9 at the age of 17 and competed at LWRG under Laura & David. Soon after she stopped gymnastics, she started competitive all star cheerleading. Emma graduated from Lakewood Ranch High school in 2021 and attends the University of Miami pursuing a masters degree in chemistry, in hopes of become a pharmacist. Emma found her passion working with kids! She enjoys working with all ages, but her favorite group are the preschool classes! 

Ceci G.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Sam W.

HP and Optional Team Coach

Sam is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Cassi C.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Cassi is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Jaimie F.

Xcel Team Coach

Jaimie is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Sophie G

HP Bronze/Silver Director

Sophie is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Sophie was born in Akron, Ohio, and moved to Florida at a young age. She also spent some time living abroad in Australia before settling back in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

In 2021, Sophie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Sophie’s gymnastics journey began at the age of three, and she competed in the sport until she was 16, training at Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics under the guidance of Laura and David.

In 2017, Sophie began coaching at LWRG, where she has mentored numerous state and regional champions across various levels, including Level 1, Xcel Bronze, and Xcel Silver. Notably, she also coached the first-ever perfect 30 at a competition in LWRG history.

While Sophie is passionate about gymnastics, her primary focus is ensuring that every gymnast is not only achieving their full potential but also remains happy and inspired by the sport

Jill G.

Preschool Director

Makayla B.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Makalya  is USAG Certified.

GG B.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Kirsten R.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Mikayla F.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Tiffany B

Preschool Coach

Tiffany is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Taylor B.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Kara M.

Xcel Team Coach

Kara is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Olivia A.

Preschool and Recreational Coach, Camp Director

Olivia is USAG Certified.

Elaine N.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Elaine is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Christina Z.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Maddie P.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Anna G.

Preschool and Recreational Coach

Kim M.

Office Staff

Kim was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She is married to Mike, and they have three children: Marissa, Samantha & Salvatore. All three have been very active in high level sports.

Kim grew up loving the sports of gymnastics and cheerleading, participating in both at the recreational/school levels. She coached a CYO cheer squad while in high school.

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Bonnie P

Office Manager

Bonnie is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Kathleen T.

Office Staff

Kathleen is USAG and SafeSport Certified.

Darla J.

Office Staff

Lisa T.

Office Staff

Lisa is USAG and SafeSport Certified.